pawst is operated by YEUPY PTE. LTD. ("we", "us", "our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the pawst mobile application ("the App").

pawst is intended for users aged 13 and older. If you are under 13, you may not use pawst.

1. Information we collect

1.1 Data you provide to us

Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your email address, username, pet's name, pet's breed (optional), pet's birthdate, your location (text you provide, not GPS-based), a profile photo, and profile prompts with answers and optional images.

Content You Share: Photos, captions, comments, albums, and reactions you post through the App. All photos are taken directly using your device's camera.

Support Communications: When you contact us, we collect your email, message content, and any attachments you provide.

1.2 Data we collect automatically

Technical Data: IP address, account creation date, last login, device type, operating system version, language preference, application version, and unique identifiers (user_id and device_id).

Device Identifiers: Device identifiers (e.g., IDFV, Android ID), app instance identifiers, and mobile advertising IDs (e.g., Apple IDFA) collected with your consent for advertising purposes.

Usage Data: Actions performed in the App, posting activity, content interactions, posting streaks, friend connections, album collections, application crashes, and event logs.

Subscription Data: Subscription status, purchase history, and premium feature usage.

Ad Data: Ad impressions, ad interactions, ad eligibility status, and ad frequency.

2. How we use your information

We use your information to:

• Provide our services: Create and manage your account, enable posting and social features, process subscriptions, and provide premium features. (Legal basis: performance of our contract with you)
• Keep pawst safe: Moderate content, prevent abuse and fraud, enforce our Terms of Service, and respond to legal requests. (Legal basis: legal obligations and legitimate interest)
• Support you: Respond to your requests, help recover accounts, and send service-related notifications. (Legal basis: legitimate interest)
• Show advertising: Display ads from Google AdMob to eligible free users, determine ad eligibility and frequency, and track ad performance. (Legal basis: your consent or legitimate interest)
• Improve the App: Analyze usage patterns, monitor stability, fix crashes, conduct A/B tests, and understand user preferences. (Legal basis: legitimate interest or your consent)

3. Advertising and Subscriptions

pawst operates on a freemium model. Free users may see ads from Google AdMob once eligible (details in our Terms of Service). Premium subscribers (Pawst+) never see ads. For subscription benefits and terms, see our Terms of Service.

We occasionally run A/B tests on features to improve the app experience. This data is used solely for product improvement and is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

4. When we share your information

Service Providers: We work with a limited number of partners to operate the App, including providers of cloud infrastructure and hosting, authentication, analytics and crash reporting, push notifications, subscription management, and advertising. These providers only access your data as needed to perform their services.

Advertising Partners: We display ads through Google AdMob to eligible free users. AdMob may collect device identifiers, ad interaction data, and mobile advertising IDs (with your consent). Google's privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Legal Purposes: We may share data with authorities when required by law, to address fraud or security concerns, or to protect people from harm.

Change in Ownership: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. This Privacy Policy would continue to apply.

5. International transfers

Some of our service providers are located outside the European Union. When transferring data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses.

6. How long we keep your information

• Active accounts: Retained while active and for up to 2 years of inactivity
• Purchase data: As required by tax and accounting laws (typically 7 years)
• Ad impression logs: Up to 90 days (aggregated analytics retained indefinitely)
• Analytics data: Individual-level data up to 2 years; aggregated data indefinitely
• Deleted accounts: Processed within 30 days, with limited exceptions for legal requirements

7. Your controls

• Notifications: Manage in app settings
• Content visibility: Content you share is public on pawst's discovery feed
• Subscriptions: Manage through Apple App Store settings
• Ad tracking: Control IDFA collection via your device settings (iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking)
• Account deletion: Available in app settings; processed within 30 days. Cancel any active subscription separately to avoid future charges.
• Consent withdrawal: Available in app settings at any time

8. Your rights

Regardless of where you live, you have the right to:

• Access and obtain a copy of your data
• Rectify inaccurate personal data
• Request erasure of your data
• Restrict processing of your data
• Withdraw your consent
• Object to processing
• Data portability

If you are in the EU, EFTA States, or the UK, you may raise concerns with your local supervisory authority.

You can exercise these rights through the app settings or by contacting us at team@happypawsts.com.

9. U.S. Privacy Rights

We comply with applicable U.S. state privacy laws, including the CCPA. Depending on your state, you may have the right to:

• Access what personal information we've collected about you
• Delete your personal information
• Opt out of data sharing with advertising partners by subscribing to Pawst+, disabling tracking on your device, or contacting us at team@happypawsts.com

We do not sell your personal information for monetary compensation. However, ad-related data sharing with Google AdMob may constitute "sharing" under certain state laws. Premium subscribers are not affected as their data is not shared with advertising partners.

If your browser supports the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal, we will honor it as a valid opt-out request. We respond to verified requests within 45 days.

10. Children's Privacy

pawst is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have, we will delete it promptly. Contact us at team@happypawsts.com if you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information.

11. Updates to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as needed. When we make material changes, we will notify you through the App or by other means as required by law.